# consult

/kənˈsəɫt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/consult
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to ask an expert

verb · CEFR B2

to ask a person with special knowledge for their advice or opinion.

For teachers: to seek information or advice from a person with professional expertise.

- You should consult a lawyer before you sign any legal documents.
- The government decided to consult several independent economists before implementing the new tax policy to ensure it would not harm small businesses.

### 2. to look for information

verb · CEFR B2

to look at a book, map, or website to find a specific fact.

For teachers: to refer to a source of information for the purpose of ascertaining a fact.

- He had to consult the map several times to find the small village.
- The researchers had to consult the original archives to verify the dates mentioned in the historical biography.

### 3. to work as an advisor

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to work as a professional expert who gives advice to companies.

For teachers: to provide professional or expert advice, typically as an external contractor rather than a full-time employee.

- After leaving her job at the bank, she began to consult for international tech firms.
- He spent the final decade of his career consulting for various non-profit organisations on sustainable development strategies.

Usage: Often used as an intransitive verb or in the present participle 'consulting'.

### 4. to consider feelings

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to think about someone's feelings or interests before you act.

For teachers: to have regard for or consider someone's interests, feelings, or convenience when making a decision.

- The manager failed to consult his team's wishes before changing the office hours.
- In designing the new park, the architects were careful to consult the needs of the local elderly population.

### 5. a medical visit

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a meeting with a doctor to get medical advice.

For teachers: a professional visit or appointment to seek advice, specifically in a medical context.

- The doctor charged fifty dollars for the initial consult at the clinic.
- Following the initial consult, the specialist recommended a series of diagnostic tests to rule out any underlying neurological conditions.

Usage: Commonly used in American English where British English would prefer 'consultation'.

## Examples

- You should consult a doctor before starting this diet.
- The architect had to consult the original blueprints several times to ensure the renovation was safe.
- Before finalizing the merger, the board of directors must consult with legal counsel to mitigate any potential regulatory risks associated with the acquisition.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.